• 96% of patients express satisfaction with services at Aam Aadmi Clinics
• Punjab leads the way in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public health infrastructure
• Dengue cases drop by 80% compared to 2023 due to proactive prevention measures
Chandigarh, October 14
In a major boost to Punjab’s primary healthcare system, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government is set to launch 236 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, bringing the total number of clinics across the state to 1,117, announced Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during a high-level Civil Surgeons’ Conference held here on Tuesday.
Dr. Balbir Singh said the initiative aims to further expand access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level, ensuring that every citizen can avail timely and efficient medical services. Highlighting the overwhelming public response, he cited a Punjab Development Commission survey which found that 96% of patients are satisfied with the health services provided at Aam Aadmi Clinics — a clear indicator of their success and credibility.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to make health a top priority, Dr. Singh directed all Civil Surgeons to fast-track the establishment of new clinics, recruit doctors and medical staff promptly, and ensure that the new centres become operational without delay.
To strengthen the state’s primary healthcare network, Dr. Singh announced the distribution of Health Kits to ASHA workers and essential medical equipment to Community Health Officers (CHOs) to enhance service delivery at the community level.
Emphasising Punjab’s leadership in innovation, the Health Minister revealed that the state is pioneering the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the early detection and management of critical diseases like breast cancer and stroke. Further, under a major child health initiative, all 250 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) teams will be equipped with AI-based auto-refractor devices for early identification of vision problems in school children, followed by free distribution of spectacles to affected students.
Dr. Balbir Singh also lauded the success of the ‘Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign, which led to an 80% reduction in dengue cases compared to last year. He instructed Civil Surgeons to intensify vector-control activities in vulnerable areas to sustain these positive results.
Acknowledging the tireless dedication of doctors and paramedical staff, particularly during the recent floods, Dr. Singh announced plans to introduce a new annual recognition policy to honour outstanding healthcare professionals for their exemplary service.
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On this occasion, the Minister felicitated Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Dr. Arshdeep Kaur, Dr. Manahar Kaur, Dr. Vasudha, Dr. Dharamveer Ahir, and Bhawandeep Kaur for their remarkable contributions to various health initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balbir Singh said,
“The health and well-being of Punjab’s citizens remain our top priority. I urge all doctors to serve every patient with compassion, empathy, and a smile. Clinical excellence coupled with human kindness must be the foundation of our healthcare system.”
Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Special Secretary-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, MD PHSC Amit Talwar, Director Health & Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director (Family Welfare) Dr. Aditi Salaria, and Director (ESI) Dr. Anil Kumar Goyal, along with Deputy and Assistant Directors and other senior health department officers.
